VBS 2022 from Orange - Make Waves!

Today is the first day for my 2022 VBS reviews! I am sharing them in the order I received the kits, so today I am very happy today to share with you the new VBS for 2022 from Orange - Make Waves! They say - "We think it’s possible for kids and volunteers to create a ripple effect that can impact the world around them in ways they will never forget. God dropped you onto this planet to do the same thing - to make waves."

Orange did a great job with the content and substance of this VBS resource and they provide a lot of options for you. Take a look and consider if Make Waves is a good "fit" for your Children's Ministry!

Make Waves

Orange

https://orangevbs.com/

• Day 1: Wave Maker - Creation - Genesis 1, 2 - God made people with a purpose.
• Day 2: Catch the Wave - Peter walks on water - Matthew 14:22-33 - Jesus invited people to follow Him.
• Day 3: Life Saver - Jesus is alive - John 18-21:14 - You can trust Jesus with your life.
• Day 4: Make a Splash - Love one another/Philip & the Ethiopian ruler - John 13:34, 35, Acts 8:26-40 - Love others the way Jesus loves you.
• Day 5: Ripple Effect - Fruit of the Spirit - Galatians 5:22, 23 - God can help you change the world around you.

Setting – Beach and summer fun.

Message – Make Waves VBS encourages kids to grow in their faith as they understand how to make waves and share God’s love with the people around them. Designed for Preschool & Elementary VBS programs.

Focus - Evangelism, Application, and Bible Content

Strengths –

• As I would expect, Make Waves has solid content, creative engaging activities, and is designed with a focus upon application.
• I love the Parent CUE cards – great resource to send home with kids each day.
• I love the "God Time Devotionals" and preschool placemats for families to use at home.
• I love the Make Waves Family Event as an opportunity to connect with families before or after your VBS.
• Strong focus on small groups to help children connect and focus on the application.
• Strong evangelism focus and content to reach children and help those who know Jesus grow in their walk with Him.
• Missions station involves children in working on projects for  "Soles4Souls: The Power of a Pair of Shoes".
• Crafts are affordable and I love the craft with the STEAM option for each day as well.
• I'm very happy to see ideas to adapt each age level for those children with special needs - excellent!
• With covid still causing uncertainty, I'm very happy to see the option for virtual VBS - a great way to connect with children who are not in your VBS in person.

Would like to see – 

• While the DVD lessons and in-person lesson scripts are well done, I'd really rather see Bible lessons which engage the kids and involve them in the telling of the lesson – the content is solid, but it needs to be presented in a more engaging manner so children experience the lessons, remember them, understand how they apply, and live them for changed lives. 
• A clear emphasis on a daily “live-it” activity, time the following day for children to share what they did to live it, and how it impacted their life to live what they learned are all things I would love to see.
• I'd like to see more information for the director . . . volunteer safety info, building/grounds safety, screening volunteers, and more info on follow up.

I have to say I especially am very impressed to see Orange offers online Facebook Live trainings twice a month, they started in January and Orange will post about them on the Orange VBS Facebook page. After the trainings, they’ll also be available for you to share with your team over at OrangeVBS.com. Well done, Orange!

And, if you don’t have a current license with Orange, you’ll receive FREE curriculum for June and July from First Look Preschool Curriculum, 252 Kids, and 252 Preteen! FREE! The instructions on how to download your free material can be found in folder 24 in your downloads. A great way to give Orange a try on your Sundays!

One more thing, Orange is making available their START HERE resource. They say this - "is a presentation designed to give parents what they need to participate in the most important event of their child’s life. With this simple gospel presentation and a conversation guide for parents, START HERE provides everything churches need to help equip parents to lead their children to Christ. Orange includes this in folder #1 in your VBS curriculum downloads. It can also be found in the Orange Store and it is a free download here: https://store.thinkorange.com/start-here.html" Extremely well done!

If I were to use this kit, if I didn't use it for VBS, I would absolutely use it for Sundays in the summer, or for special family fun days spread throughout the summer to engage the entire family in learning and playing together!

If you are looking for a resource you can use with Christian children to help them grow in their walk with Jesus, Make Waves could be a great “fit” for you. Make Waves is all about options – and is worth taking a look at it to see if it will “fit” your ministry!